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College of Pharmacy

Prospective Students

Admissions for PhD Programs

Application Deadline for Fall 2025 Admission:
January 3, 2025

Apply now!

Who Can Apply

Applicants to the Ph.D. program Concentrations in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology must have, or nearly have, at least a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, biology, biochemistry, chemistry or a related discipline. In addition, applicants to the Pharmacology Concentration must have taken at least 3-credit hour course in human physiology and at least one 3-credit hour course in biochemistry. A minimum undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale is required.

Applicants to the Ph.D. program's Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy Concentration must have either completed or expect to complete a B.S. degree in a similar area with an overall GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale. The average GPA of students admitted in 2018 and 2019 was 3.6. A GRE score is required for this concentration.

We DO NOT offer a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the present time.

Download/View Frequently Asked Questions PDF for additional information about the Ph.D. program and available concentrations

Application Process

Before you start your application, please make sure you are applying for the correct program concentration (Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, or Pharmacology). Check with the academic advisor if you are not sure; contact information is at the bottom of this page. Students are only admitted in the Fall semester of the academic year (Spring semester admission is not available).

1. Go to https://www.uh.edu/graduate-school/prospective-students/how-to-apply/, and follow the instructions

2. Please review and comply with the following special instructions:

  • If you would like to submit abstracts, manuscripts or other documents describing your accomplishments or special qualities, you may upload them as PDFs to Additional/Supplemental Materials.
  • For the application, you may upload a scan of your transcript. If accepted, you will be required to submit an official, stamped paper transcript.
  • The campus code for GRE (if required) and TOEFL score delivery is 6870. There is no department code.
  • The resume should be restricted to professional and academic achievements. A list of publications and research experiences is very helpful.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation must be on official letterhead, and written and properly signed by teachers, mentors, work supervisors or others with whom you have had professional relationships. They should directly address your academic abilities, scientific talents, work habits and personal character. Letters not meeting these qualifications will be disregarded.
  • For PHOP: The statement of purpose should be no more than 2-3 pages long, and discuss your research interests, career goals, motivation and background. You also can highlight relevant achievements, and summarize your research experience. See the online application form for more details. For Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry, answer the specific questions asked in the application concisely. DO NOT upload your generic statement essay.
  • For Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics or Medicinal Chemistry: for each question below (A-D), compose an answer as a short essay (300 words or less).
    Creat a single file containing the four essays and upload it under the Personal/Goal Statement on the document upload page later in the application
  1. Describe your career interests, as well as short- and long-term professional goals.
  2. Describe your research experiences and skills (for example, your specific roles in research projects, peer-reviewed publications, oral/poster presentations, or other research-related experiences).
  3. Explain the reasons for pursuing a graduate degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a concentration in Medicinal Chemistry (or Pharmacology, or Pharmaceutics) at the University of Houston.
  4. Provide any additional information that you would like the graduate admissions committee to consider.
  • Application fees (payment must be made with credit card only)
    Domestic/Resident Students: $50
    International/Non-resident Students: $80
  • No personal checks or cash will be accepted.

International Applicants

Transfer Students

Transfer students should follow the same application process, as specified above. Students may be able to transfer a maximum of 9 credit hours of completed course work from an accredited program, as long as those credits were not used to complete a previous degree. Transfer students can seek admission only for the Fall semester (Spring admission is not available to any students).

For more information, please contact:

University of Houston College of Pharmacy
4349 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Room 6007
Houston, TX 77204-5037

Phone: 713-743-8443

copgrad@uh.edu